Last season, even after starting strong with a 6-0 record, the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t get too comfortable. Despite being unbeaten, they knew they needed more firepower on offense — and as the NFL Trade Deadline approached, the team actively explored moves to boost their attack.
They got the boost they needed at the trade deadline by adding wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The experienced star made a real impact late in the season, catching four touchdowns in the regular games and adding another one in the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs might not have won that game, but bringing in Hopkins definitely played a big role in getting them that far.
The 2025 NFL trade deadline is just around the corner, and several teams are already going all-in to grab that one player who could change everything before time runs out. But how much time is actually left for franchises to pull off a major deal? And which big names are currently swirling in the trade rumor mill?
Here’s all you need to know about the 2025 NFL trade deadline — explained in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
When does the NFL trade deadline take place?
The 2025 NFL trade deadline falls on Tuesday, November 4. All teams must finalize their trades by 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
That’s usually about the time the trade deadline happens each season. In 2024, it fell on November 5, while in 2023 it took place on Halloween.
NFL Trade Deadline Rules
The main rule for the NFL trade deadline is that all trades have to be finalized by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Both players and draft picks can be traded. Teams don’t have to trade picks from the upcoming draft — they can also include future draft picks in their deals.
As the NFL Trade Deadline approaches, another major challenge teams face is staying under the league’s salary cap, which applies throughout the entire season. When a team looks to acquire a high-priced star, it must carefully evaluate whether that player’s contract fits within its financial limits. If the numbers don’t add up, front offices often have to include other players in the trade or restructure deals to keep their overall payroll compliant with the cap.
2025 NFL Trade Deadline Tracker — All the latest deals, rumors & team moves
The 2025 NFL trade deadline has already brought plenty of action, with several teams making notable moves ahead of Tuesday. Among the busiest have been the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, who have completed three trades to strengthen their defense. Philadelphia has added linebacker Jaelan Phillips from the Dolphins, along with cornerbacks Michael Carter II from the Jets and Jaire Alexander from the Ravens.
As the 2025 NFL Trade Deadline approaches, several teams have been active, though most moves have involved lower-round draft picks. The New England Patriots have stockpiled future assets, acquiring three sixth-round selections in exchange for wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (Saints), defensive end Keion White (49ers), and safety Kyle Dugger (Steelers). Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns bolstered their offensive line by trading with the Houston Texans to acquire veteran lineman Cam Robinson.
Before the Phillips trade, the most notable move of the NFL season happened in early October, when the Cincinnati Bengals picked up veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Browns after Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury.
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